Cycle campaigners have voiced their frustration after two brand new bike lanes remain shut weeks after being finished.
The lanes have been constructed outside York Station, but remain behind barriers.
That means cyclists are forced to share the road holding up buses and other vehicles.
The lanes are part of the much-delayed Station Gateway scheme. It is already under fire for costing more than double its original budget of £26 million. The current total is more than £60 million.
York Cycle Campaign is now demanding answers over the closed bike lanes.
Campaign chair Robyn Jankel said: “The main crossing outside the station has been completed for weeks, yet cyclists are expected to ride on the road in the way of buses, alongside an empty bike lane full of plastic barriers.”
The group has pressed the council and contractors Sisk for a meeting to discuss the schedule but so far have only been told that just part of the route by the city wall may open later this month.
“Regular commuters will confirm that work progress is painfully slow, despite all the fine summer weather which would have been ideal opportunity to promote cycling to the station rather than driving,” Robyn said.
Andy Shrimpton is a partner at the Cycle Heaven bike works at York Station.
He said: “It’s very tantalising to see all these lovely segregated lanes, which will probably be the first segregated cycle lanes we’ve ever had in the city centre, and they’re all closed.
“And we don’t really understand why because they look pretty complete.”
He added: “The work has really affected our customers’ ability to access our business and our own ability to do business – and yes, we do still have a store hidden behind scaffolding and sheeting!
“Despite being a tenant, we still have little information about when the cycle route and taxi rank changes will take place.
“With the council’s targets to get more people to use buses and cycles you would think there would be a clear commitment to get the rest of the cycle route outside the station complete.”
‘Work a priority’
A spokesperson for City of York Council said: “We are as keen as everyone to start opening up areas of the site so that people can feel the full benefits of the Station Gateway project.
“We’ve worked hard to maintain access to properties and businesses in the area and are grateful for everyone’s continued patience as we near the conclusion of these highway works.
“Our contractor John Sisk & Son is currently in the final phase of works. In recent weeks, paving works have been taking place which at times have blocked off the footpath, diverting pedestrians into the cycle lane.
“Once this stage is complete, it will be safe to begin a phased opening of the cycle routes. As these areas open up there will be some temporary arrangements in place until the existing substation can be removed.
“Upcoming inspections will determine a fixed date for opening the majority of the cycle lanes and as soon as we have this information, we’ll publicise it widely.
“This work is a priority for Sisk and for the council and we want residents and visitors to enjoy the finished scheme as soon as possible.”